The study will assess the effects of 36 weeks of treatment with LCZ696 compared to valsartan on N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with chronic heart failure and preserved left-ventricular ejection fraction.

Evaluation of NT-proBNP was performed by a central laboratory. Change from baseline in NT-proBNP was presented as a ratio where the ratio was calculated as the NT-proBNP value at 12 weeks over the NT-proBNP value at baseline. A ratio < 1 indicates improvement.

Evaluation of NT-proBNP and BNP was performed by a central laboratory. Change from baseline in NT-proBNP and in BNP was presented as a ratio where the ratio for NT-proBNP was calculated as the NT-proBNP value at 36 weeks over the NT-proBNP value at baseline, and the ratio for BNP was calculated as the BNP value at 36 weeks over the BNP value at baseline. A ratio < 1 indicates improvement.

Evaluation of cGMP was performed by a central laboratory. Change from baseline in cGMP was presented as a ratio where the ratio was calculated as the cGMP value at 36 weeks over the cGMP value at baseline. A ratio < 1 indicates improvement.

The KCCQ is a self-administered questionnaire. It contains 23 items, covering physical function, clinical symptoms, social function, self-efficacy and knowledge, and quality of life, each with different Likert scale wording, including limitations, frequency, bother, change in condition, understanding, levels of enjoyment and satisfaction. Scores are transformed to a range of 0-100, in which higher scores reflect better health status. A positive change from baseline indicates improvement.

The clinical composite assessment is defined as follows: Improved = a) participant improved (markedly or moderately) in the global assessment of disease activity with no worsening of NYHA functional class and no major adverse cardiovascular event or b) participant improved in NYHA functional class with no worsening (markedly or moderately) in the global assessment of disease activity and no major adverse cardiovascular event. Worsened = participant worsened (markedly or moderately) in the global assessment of disease activity or in NYHA functional class or experienced a major adverse cardiovascular event. Unchanged = participant does not meet the definition for improved or worsened.

During a single blind, run-in period, participants received placebo. Then at randomization (double blind treatment period), participants started with 50 mg LCZ696 for 1- 2 weeks, then uptitrated to 100 mg bid for 1 -2 weeks, and thereafter, uptitrated to 200 mg bid.

Drug: LCZ696

50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg tablets

Drug: Placebo

matching placebo to LCZ696 and Valsartan

Active Comparator: Valsartan

During a single blind, run-in period, participants received placebo. Then at randomization (double blind treatment period), participants started with 40 mg Valsartan twice daily (bid) for 1 - 2 weeks, then were uptitrated to 80 mg bid for 1 -2 weeks, and thereafter, uptitrated to 160 mg bid.

the ejection fraction must have been obtained within 6 months prior to randomization or after any MI or other event that would affect ejection fraction.

Plasma NT-proBNP > 500 pg/ml at Visit 1.

Patients with documented stable chronic heart failure (NYHA II-IV).

Patients receiving ACE inhibitors (ACEi), an angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and/or a beta blockers must be on a stable dose of these medications stable for the 1 month period prior to Visit 1.

Patients must be on diuretic therapy prior to Visit 1 (flexible dosing is permitted).

Patients with a controlled systolic BP, defined as a target systolic BP less than 140 mm Hg; participants with BP up to and including 160 mm Hg are eligible for enrollment if they are on three or more medications to control BP at randomization (Visit 2).

Patients with at least one of the following symptoms at the time of screening (Visit 1):

Dyspnea on exertion

Orthopnea

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

Peripheral edema

Patients must have an eGFR ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 at Visit 1 (calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula).

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00887588